Fitbit has just unveiled its newest flagship fitness tracker, the Charge 6, and it comes packed with an array of enhancements and, unsurprisingly, built-in Google features. Since Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, there has been anticipation regarding the integration of Google’s apps and services into Fitbit’s ecosystem. The results have now materialized in the form of the Fitbit Charge 6, offering users Google Maps for navigation and route tracking, as well as Google Wallet for tap-to-pay capabilities, where supported. While the device boasts various health and fitness improvements, what’s striking is that it comes at a lower price point compared to its predecessor, the Charge 5, released approximately two years ago.
Fitbit Charge 6 Price and Availability The Fitbit Charge 6 is competitively priced at $159.95 (approximately Rs 13,300), making it an attractive option for both loyal Fitbit users and newcomers. This pricing strategy is particularly enticing when compared to the Charge 5, which was priced at $179.95 (roughly Rs 15,000). Initially, the Charge 6 will be available in the United States starting from October 12, offered in black and silver variants with a white band. Unfortunately, Fitbit has not yet disclosed details regarding the device’s availability in India.
Key Features of the Fitbit Charge 6 Physically, the Charge 6 closely resembles its predecessor, but with a notable addition – the return of the side button. This button, however, is haptic and provides feedback upon interaction. Fitness tracking remains a core feature, but Fitbit has introduced subtle yet significant improvements to enhance measurement precision. The device’s sensors, which remain unchanged from the previous model, include an optical heart rate monitor, accelerometer, built-in GPS, blood oxygen monitor, temperature sensor, and “multiple electrical sensors” that read electrodermal activity (EDA) and ECG data, enabling cardiovascular health alerts.
A noteworthy change is that users now require a Google account to operate the device, as Google recently mandated that Fitbit devices must be linked to a Google account. Fitbit OS has been refined, and the Charge 6 boasts the most accurate heart rate sensing among Fitbit’s fitness bands. Activities such as HIIT, spinning, and rowing exhibit a 60 percent improvement in measurement accuracy. During workouts, the band captures data at a rate of once per second, while it reduces to once every five seconds during periods of inactivity. Moreover, the Charge 6 can seamlessly pair with select gym machines via Bluetooth, enabling users to monitor their heart rate during workouts.
